Brooks Raley takes key step toward Mets return with timeline taking shape
Access the Mets beat like never before
Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets. Try it free
LOS ANGELES — The Mets are looking toward the All-Star break for a key left-handed reliever's possible return.
Brooks Raley, who is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, has begun facing hitters in live batting practice, according to manager Carlos Mendoza.
Advertisement
The Mets are hopeful that Raley will be in position to begin a minor league rehab assignment late this month.
Raley, 36, returned to the Mets in April on a one-year contract worth $1.5 million that contains a club option for 2026.
Raley's surgery for ligament damage and bone spurs in his left elbow occurred last May.
Brooks Raley throws a pitch during a Mets game in April 2024.
Jason Szenes for the NY Post
Advertisement
The Mets this year have lost two lefty relievers — A.J. Minter and Danny Young — to season-ending surgery.
Jose Castillo, who was acquired last month after he was designated for assignment by Arizona, is the only remaining lefty reliever on the 26-man roster.
Raley had a strong season for the Mets in 2023, when he pitched to a 2.80 ERA in 66 appearances.
Advertisement
CHECK OUT THE LATEST MLB STANDINGS AND METS STATS
Brooks Raley prepares to throw a pitch during a Mets game in April 2024.
Bill Kostroun for the NY Post
Raley appeared in only eight games for the club last season (he didn't surrender an earned run) before he was sidelined with elbow discomfort.
That Raley is a reliever will considerably shorten his rehab stint once he progresses to pitching in minor league games.
Advertisement
But Raley, as is the protocol for a pitcher returning from Tommy John surgery, will need 10-12 sessions facing hitters in live batting practice before he's considered for that next step.
Raley has thrown five such sessions.
Even so, team brass views the All-Star break as a realistic possibility for Raley.
Sean Manaea threw 29 pitches in a live batting practice session, after which Mendoza didn't rule out the possibility the left-hander's next step would be a minor league rehab assignment.
Manaea is rehabbing from an oblique strain that has kept him sidelined since spring training.
Advertisement
Mendoza offered his thoughts pregame on the Mets returning to Dodger Stadium for the first time since their loss in Game 6 of the NLCS last October.
'It's a different feeling, walking in this place and knowing this is where your season ended,' Mendoza said. 'It's kind of like a sour taste, but also understanding that after everything we went through as a team, when nobody thought anything about this team and we ended up facing the team that ended up winning the World Series.
'It's a different feeling this year, understanding that they are really good again and we're also good. I think it's mixed feelings coming here, but we're not trying to look back.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
16 minutes ago
- Forbes
Thunder Daunting Task For Pacers, Rick Carlisle Has Done This Before
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 29: Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers brings the ball up ... More court around Cason Wallace #22 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Paycom Center on March 29, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by) INDIANAPOLIS – Tyrese Haliburton couldn't sleep after the Indiana Pacers' victory on Saturday night. His team had just defeated the New York Knicks to win the Eastern Conference Finals, clinching only the second NBA Finals appearance in franchise history — and Haliburton's mind was racing. He kept thinking about the moment, a victory over the Knicks that gave the Pacers their second-ever NBA Finals berth. Then, as his team collectively had to do as they walked off the floor Saturday night, he began to think ahead to his next obstacle. Haliburton and the Pacers will take on the Oklahoma City Thunder in the championship series, and the All-NBA guard lay awake as his brain power shifted toward OKC. 'I think part of it was due to excitement and part of it was due to, ok what are we preparing for?' Haliburton said of his wandering thoughts. 'I'm really excited to be a part of [The Finals], it's gonna be a lot of fun.' For the Pacers, it's the toughest test that this postseason can provide. The Thunder rolled this season, winning 68 games in the regular season and owning the league's best net rating by far. Their defense is spectacular. Their offense is explosive. In the regular season, OKC won both meetings between the two teams. One of them, a somewhat recent duel in March, was a blowout. The other was close and saw a strong Thunder run be the difference late. However, those games didn't feature full rosters, and the Pacers have since evolved. A midseason surge propelled them into the postseason with momentum, and they've continued to improve with each round. While OKC presents the most formidable challenge yet, Indiana has vaulted every barrier so far. 'It'll be a daunting challenge, but a great one,' Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle shared on Tuesday. The Pacers know that the Thunder's defense is what makes them elite. Their defensive rating in the regular season was 2.5 points per 100 possessions better than any other team. In the playoffs, that level has been maintained — they have been one of three teams with a postseason defensive rating under 110 and the only team under 105. The volume of high-level defensive players on the Thunder's roster is staggering. Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, Lu Dort, Alex Caruso, Jalen Williams, and Cason Wallace are all positives on the defensive end, and many of them are All-Defense level stoppers 'They've got a lot of individually good defenders, and when they come together as a group, it makes a good team defense,' Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard explained of the Thunder's defense. 'Athletic, versatile, physical. They pose a few problems.' Oklahoma City forces a ton of turnovers and overloads ball handlers. There isn't much open space on the floor. Passing and ball movement, two Pacers strengths, are vital for success in the matchup. 'They're super physical, they're annoying,' Pacers forward Obi Toppin joked of the Thunder defense. 'They're young, and they're just in your mess… but we've got [defenders] like that too.' Indiana's offense has been fantastic in the postseason. That has to continue in the NBA Finals if they are going to win the series. Guard Ben Sheppard explained that the Pacers can't be sped up in the Finals, they have to play their way and limit turnovers. They need to play to their strengths. The Thunder can score, too, while the Pacers are an improved defensive group. Because of their collective peak, Oklahoma City is the favorite everywhere – ESPN had 23 experts predict the result of the series and 20 picked OKC. Their defense is the leading factor in that thinking. It will be an uphill trek for the blue and gold. Insert head coach Rick Carlisle, who has completed said trek before. INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 26: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Indiana Pacers drives against Isaiah ... More Hartenstein (C) #55 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on December 26, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by) Multiple times in the ongoing playoffs, Carlisle has recited a line about the Pacers being an underdog in almost every game. In 2011, when he coached the Dallas Mavericks, he reached the NBA Finals and was going against LeBron James and the Miami Heat. And the Heat, who had other stars, were big favorites. That series was the first Finals Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner remember watching closely. Turner, a Dallas native, followed it as a hometown fan. Haliburton, a LeBron fan, was emotionally invested for other reasons. But both were locked in. Carlisle's Mavs didn't play like underdogs. They won the second game of the series on the road and kept fighting, putting Miami on the back foot multiple times. 'I hated Rick for that,' Haliburton said through a big smile. Turner was more elated at the time as Dallas kept winning. The Mavericks finished out the series in six games, and Carlisle won his first title as a head coach. 'Rick proved [with] Dirk (Nowitzki) and the rest of his team, just that at the right time, anybody can get hot,' Turner shared. Carlisle, who is about to participate in his sixth finals in some capacity, knows what it takes to overcome a major challenge on the biggest stage. He threw wrinkles at the Heat and set his team up for success. Some of his adjustments are still talked about to this day. His past experiences will be critical on this stage, and they also give the Pacers confidence they can win this best-of-seven. Still, there are no guarantees. Even the best coaches can only do so much. But in the face of an imposing opponent, Carlisle brings calm and credibility. His Finals performance in 2011 changed Haliburton's perception of him. 'The fact that I'm here with him now is pretty full circle,' Haliburton said. 'It's really cool to be a part of this with him.' The two are partners, a necessity for a point guard and coach. They reached this stage after years of building, but there has always been internal belief that the Pacers are this good. Oklahoma City is loaded. Haliburton surely realized that while his mind raced in bed. But history shows that the Pacers can win this NBA Finals, and that they have the right people to do it.
Yahoo
16 minutes ago
- Yahoo
LeBron James Expected To Opt Into $52.6M Player Option With Lakers
LeBron James Expected To Opt Into $52.6M Player Option With Lakers originally appeared on Fadeaway World. LeBron James is reportedly leaning toward opting into his massive $52.6 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2025–26 NBA season, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, Charania revealed that James is 'likely' to pick up the final year of his deal, though the official deadline for that decision is June 29. Advertisement "I'm told he's likely to opt in... He's got a massive player option. That's the plan, but there are going to be some hard conversations between him and the Lakers. Whether he plays one more season or a few more seasons, he wants to be in a competitive environment." The magnitude of the player option alone is a strong incentive; $52.6 million would be the largest single-season payout of LeBron's storied career. However, for James, who has always balanced personal ambition with legacy-driven choices, the financial component is only part of the picture. His desire to remain in a championship-contending setting will weigh heavily on the decision. After the Lakers' early postseason exit, there were questions about whether James would return for another year or explore free agency to potentially join another contender, or even reunite with Bryce James, who is heading to Arizona and will likely declare for the 2026 NBA Draft. Advertisement That timeline makes it increasingly likely that LeBron will opt in and use the upcoming season as a final hurrah or a bridge year while reassessing his long-term future. There's also a poetic allure if the 2025–26 season turns out to be his swan song: it would mark Year 23 in the league for No. 23, with All-Star Weekend set to take place in Los Angeles. Symbolically, it sets the stage for a potential storybook ending in front of Lakers fans. Even at 40 years old, LeBron continues to defy the limitations of age. In his 22nd NBA season, he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game on 51.3% shooting, and was rewarded with his 21st All-NBA selection, making him the oldest player in league history to receive the honor. His performance helped the Lakers to a 50-32 record, third-best in the Western Conference, and cemented his continued elite status. Advertisement Still, if James is going to spend another season in purple and gold, the Lakers have work to do. General Manager Rob Pelinka has already made it clear that adding a reliable, top-tier center is the team's top priority this summer. The failed trade for Mark Williams at the deadline looms large, and the Lakers are expected to pursue other frontcourt options such as Jarrett Allen, Nic Claxton, or Daniel Gafford. Upgrading wing depth and perimeter shooting are also on the checklist. LeBron's reported decision to opt in provides the Lakers with clarity and flexibility. Whether it's the beginning of a farewell tour or a stepping stone to a longer extension, it marks another chapter in an extraordinary career that shows no signs of slowing. For now, all signs point to one more season in Los Angeles, one more run at glory for the King. Related: New Trade Idea Sends Four Players To The Lakers, Including Top Center From Eastern Powerhouse This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on May 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
16 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Lakers Trade Assets Include A First-Round Pick, Young Shooter And $55 Million In Expiring Contracts
Lakers Trade Assets Include A First-Round Pick, Young Shooter And $55 Million In Expiring Contracts originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Los Angeles Lakers enter the 2025 offseason with a clear mandate: reshape the roster around Luka Doncic and LeBron James, address their glaring frontcourt deficiencies, and return to contender status. Advertisement While the Lakers may not possess the deepest war chest of assets, they have just enough to make meaningful moves, especially when you factor in the expiring contracts, one tradeable first-round pick, and a few intriguing young pieces. Future Draft Picks: - 2031 or 2032 First-Round pick (only one can be traded) - Five First-Round pick swaps (2026, 2028, 2030, 2031, 2032) - One Second-Round pick (2025) Expiring Contracts ($54.68 million total): - Rui Hachimura ($18.25 million) - Gabe Vincent ($11.50 million) - Maxi Kleber ($11.00 million) - Austin Reaves ($13.93 million, extension-eligible) Team Friendly Contract ($6.28 million total): - Shake Milton (2 Years, $6.28 million) Advertisement Prospect: - Dalton Knecht ($4 million) From a draft perspective, the Lakers are limited. They can only trade one of their 2031 or 2032 first-round picks outright, but they do own five potential pick swaps (2026, 2028, 2030, 2031, and 2032), which could become attractive to teams betting against LA's long-term future. They also hold a 2025 second-rounder, which carries limited value but could be useful in sweetening a minor deal. What gives the Lakers flexibility this offseason is the $54.68 million in expiring contracts. Rui Hachimura ($18.2 million), Gabe Vincent ($11.5 million), and Maxi Kleber ($11 million) all come off the books in 2026, and could be used either to match salaries in trades or to create cap relief for other teams. Advertisement Internally, though, the front office is reportedly split on the futures of Reaves and Hachimura. Austin Reaves' $13.9 million deal also sits on the table, though technically not an expiring contract, he becomes extension-eligible and could be involved in high-profile trade scenarios if the right player becomes available. Reaves remains the biggest internal debate for the Lakers. He had a career year, averaging 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists on 46% shooting and nearly 38% from three. His contract is one of the league's best bargains for now, but he's expected to command $30 million annually when he hits free agency in 2026. His agent has dismissed trade speculation, but league insiders say the Lakers would only move him for an All-Star who fits Luka's timeline and playing style. Advertisement On the other hand, Hachimura might be the more likely trade chip. Despite consistent postseason play and 41% shooting from three, his positional overlap with LeBron, Doncic, and Dorian Finney-Smith raises redundancy concerns. With $18 million due next year and solid two-way value, Hachimura could headline a package for a starting-caliber big or two-way wing. Additionally, Shake Milton's (2 Years, $6.28 million) presence on the Lakers' roster may not turn heads in box scores, but his contract might be one of the most quietly valuable assets the team holds heading into the offseason. Milton signed a three-year, $9 million deal, a move that barely registered in headlines last summer. However, given the current financial landscape under the NBA's new collective bargaining agreement, his deal now stands out as a flexible, team-friendly contract that could play a pivotal role in trade scenarios. Advertisement The real wildcard is Dalton Knecht. The sharpshooter on a $4 million deal could be the type of cost-controlled prospect teams covet in larger deals. Combined with LA's draft capital, he gives the Lakers a modicum of leverage in negotiations. One ambitious three-team deal has captured attention recently. Proposed by Sports Illustrated's Jackson Caudell, the trade would send Jarrett Allen, Terance Mann, Isaac Okoro, and Georges Niang to the Lakers in exchange for Hachimura, Knecht, Milton, Kleber, and multiple picks. The Cavaliers would shed salary while Atlanta adds depth with Jarred Vanderbilt and Max Strus. The Lakers have also shown interest in defensive specialist De'Anthony Melton, hoping he can regain his two-way form after an injury-riddled 2024-25 season. Melton and Mann are two guards who fit the mold of what LA needs: versatile defenders who can shoot and don't demand the ball. Advertisement And with Jaxson Hayes expected to leave after his reduced role in the playoffs, the Lakers are eyeing younger, cheaper centers such as Vladislav Goldin, projected to be selected at No. 55 in the draft. That pick might not be flashy, but it signals that LA is looking to build a blend of experience and youth as they navigate a tight salary cap and an aging core. Target-wise, the Lakers have been linked to centers like Nic Claxton, Daniel Gafford, Day'Ron Sharpe, and Jericho Sims. Each offers something LA sorely lacks: size, rim protection, and athleticism. Claxton and Gafford are more plug-and-play starters, while Sharpe and Sims are younger, lower-risk additions who could grow with the team. With LeBron expected to opt into his player option, the clock is ticking. The Lakers must decide whether to swing big now, possibly sacrificing fan favorites like Reaves and Hachimura, or preserve their assets for a post-LeBron era anchored around Doncic. Advertisement Either way, how they deploy these assets will define their next championship window. Related: Perfect Offseason For The Lakers: Three Steps To Becoming Contenders In The West This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
